Tom, Dick and Harry

Always one of my favorite hikes... Tom, Dick and Harry. I like to do this hike on a whim, by myself, or when I just don't want to think of another hike to do. It's easy to get to, popular and has an enjoyable, steady incline. Mirror Lake is about half way to the summit of TDH and many people turn around at that point. I only turned back at Mirror Lake when the snow is deep and I'm wearing snowshoes. Other than that I always hike to the top. Sometimes there's a spectacular view of Mt. Hood and other times there is no view at all. Today was one of the no-view days. A great hike regardless! 35 degrees and snow flurries - so exciting! Bring on the winter fun!

2019 Hike 42/52
7.32 miles; 1473 feet of elevation gain

Silver Star and Ed's Trail

Today my Adventure Sister and I were being very adventurous and this turned out to be a hike we will both remember as one of our favorites! We have not hiked together in a while due to our schedules so this hike was all about the visit! We stopped to talk several times and enjoyed a slow conversation pace. It was awesome and I am so happy we were able to get back out there on the trail together.

We hiked up Silver Star to see the fall colors but because the temperatures dropped so early this year, the leaves (green ones!) had already fallen to the ground. It looked more like winter on the trail than fall. Regardless, it was a beautiful day and the temperature was perfect for hiking!

On the way up, we came upon a small rib cage, clearly fresh and picked clean. Later we read at the trailhead that it was a "Cougar kill". Ugh. I never thought much about cougars on this trail but obviously, they are out there. Not a surprise... but an eye-opener, for sure. I am sure Mr. Cougar will weigh heavily on my mind the next time I do a sunset hike on this mountain. Eek.

At the summit of Silver Star, it was almost clear and there was no wind. Beautiful! We enjoyed spending time on the summit, had it all to ourselves, took several pictures and then headed on to explore a trail we could see from above - "Ed's Trail". This trail was north and south of the Silver Star summit. Going north we were up on a ridge and could see all around us and far out in the distance. Going south we went below the summit and hiked along the side of the ridge. There were many drop-offs, rock walls above and below us (once in front of us that we had to climb up to continue on - so cool!), ice on the trail, ice hanging from the rocky slopes, a natural arch and so much more! This trail was amazing and fun! We were so excited about our new surroundings! We definitely have a lot more to explore out there and can't wait to go back. Such a great day!

  

 

2019 Hike 41/52

10.65 Miles; 2941 feet elevation gain